Better late than never for trams

EDINBURGH’S long-awaited tram service finally left the stops with paying customers yesterday morning after six years of construction work.

The long overdue - and over-budget - tram service has now started running in Edinburgh [DAVID MCNIE]

The first tram slipped out of Gyle Shopping Centre stop at 5am - three years behind schedule and millions over budget - bringing an end to the misery which plagued traders and drivers as the tram lines were laid.

The landmark day follows years of building work problems, including a long-running dispute between the Edinburgh City Council and its contractor which could see the cost of the building work escalate close to the £1billion mark.

So far the original budget of £375million has more than doubled to around £776m but once the network expands from the Edinburgh Airport to York Place line it is expected to rocket up even further.

The new transport network was met with enthusiasm by the first people on board although it did suffer from a few teething problems during the day.

We've been on trams all over the world and the tram in Edinburgh today was really, really smooth

Marjory Broom

Marjory Broom, 59, her husband George, 63 and their 31-year-old son Christopher were on board the first tram.

She said: "We've been on trams all over the world and the tram in Edinburgh today was really, really smooth.

"It was the first tram and it was standing room only, it was very, very busy.

"I'm really excited we managed to get on - there would have been no buzz being on the second tram."

Although the trams have been tested in the city for some time now the new service was only opened to the public yesterday.

But there were already fears for pedestrians' safety amid concern they would not be able to hear the silently approaching transport or could struggle with the narrow platforms during busy times.

Taxi drivers opposite Haymarket Station, said they had already witnessed some "hairy moments" with one adding he had already witnessed two near misses during the testing period.

He added: "It gets so busy here during the rush hour that I think it will be just a matter of days before someone gets hit by a tram. I hope I'm wrong but there's already been a couple of very lucky escapes when people have left the station and not looked properly while crossing the tram line."

Jennifer Martin, 45, a Hackney cab driver added: “It’s really going to be a case of wait and see, at the moment the trams are a bit of a novelty.

"Suddenly the trams just appear so you have to be aware of them.

"They can be very quiet and I’m surprised there hasn’t been an accident already."

Their colleague Willie Murray, 45, said: "The trams will work fine and I think they will provide more choice.

"We know where they are and there are certain junctions where there could be problems.

"But when it comes down to it if you have two or more people, I think you should take a cab because it’s a more personal service."

The city is dotted with 'Stop, Look, Listen Trams' signs reminding people to pay attention to where they are going.

The service's own website also urges people to take extra care while out and about to avoid tragedies which have plagued other cities such as Manchester, where the network was introduced in the 90s.

While traders are delighted the transport link is finally open they claim roads have been left patchy and unfinished.

Le Giang Morrison, who runs Vietnam House Art Gallery, in Haymarket, was relieved the bulk of the work had been completed.

"There were lots of businesses who shut down and cars couldn’t park here.

"Personally I think the trams are lethal and I find the noise they make quite irritating.”

The project marks the return of trams to the Capital for the first time in around 58 years.

It was initially intended stretch to the waterfront at Leith and Newhaven and expected to be operational in 2010.

But as the scheme encountered delays and spiralling expenses, the other lines fell away leaving the single route linking the city centre and the airport.

Lesley Hinds, Edinburgh City Council's transport convener, said: "I know from first hand experience how trams can transform and enhance a city and I am determined Edinburgh should make the very most of the opportunities ahead."

Transport bosses are now keeping their fingers crossed that everyone who uses a tram in these first few days and weeks enjoys the experience.

Ian Craig, chief executive of Transport for Edinburgh, said: "I'm proud of what has been achieved but there's much more to be done.

"This is a brand new system and, as we start to welcome passengers on board, we'll be keeping a very close eye on the service to make sure our customers get the best possible experience."